From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, Oct. 15, 2012 2:43 p.m. CST

(Continued from Page 1)

My backyard is a tapestry of gold, crimson, yellow, orange and purple. Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe it. However, this past weekend’s wet and windy weather has taken the tapestry from above and placed much of it below ... In other words, many of those leaves are now a colorful carpet, just waiting to be raked. Ugh.

I feel kind of guilty complaining about the upcoming raking, mulching, blowing, burning, bagging and hauling of these leaves, especially since I find them so beautiful right now — hard to imagine how something so vibrant and eye-catching could cause so much work, don’t you think?

I’m thinking about having a huge party. I’ll supply the hot dogs, drinks and s’mores, if you’ll supply a rake and lots of energy. Any takers?

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So what’s the BigDeal? Every week, the Bureau County Republican offers readers an opportunity to save some cash with its BigDeals! program. Cash in on these savings on our website at www.bcrnews.com. Following is this week’s BigDeal!:

• Did you notice your warm weather clothing is a bit snug? Get a 20-punch fitness card at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton for only $50. This card is good for land, water and spin classes only. This offer is a great deal, since it regularly costs $100.

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Have you entered our Halloween Costume Photo Contest yet? To participate, log on to www.bcrnews.com; click on the contest tab; and look for the Halloween artwork. Click on the art; register your information; and upload a photo of your child in his/her Halloween costume. Remember only one child per photo. Entries are accepted until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 22. Please limit your entries to children ages 0 through 12.

From Oct. 23 through Nov. 1, get your friends and family to vote online for your child’s photo. Be creative in how you get your votes; you can even link the contest to your Facebook page.

At the end of the contest, the Top 3 vote-getting entries will receive a prize. First prize is a pizza party at the Princeton Pizza Hut for up to 15 friends, valued at $200. Second prize is a gift certificate at iFocus Studios (April Casey Photography), valued at $200, and third prize is a pottery class using the pottery wheel for four at Annie’s Little Pots in Princeton, also valued at $200.

This promises to be a great time, and I can’t wait to see all our little local Halloween princesses, super heroes, ghosts and more ...

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I attended the opening reception Friday night at Dana Collins’ one-woman show, “On the River,” at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton. Wow! Such talent! Collins painted these pictures from inside her boat on the Mississippi River ... if you can imagine. If you get a chance, make sure you stop by and take a look. An Evening with the Artist event is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday. Gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 6 to 8 p.m. through Nov. 4. This is a don’t miss exhibit!

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Check it out! Our newest copy of Illinois Valley Living. Wow! You are going to love it! Stop by our office for your free copy or pick it up at one of more than 300 locations in the Illinois Valley. Check out the locations and magazine at www.illinoisvalleyliving.com.

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Congratulations to the Princeton High School soccer team for their regional championship. The team will travel to the Mendota Sectional today, Tuesday, at 4:30 p.m. Also, congratulations to Jennifer O’Neil, a Princeton tennis player, who is heading to state competition later this week.

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The colors are fading. Don’t let Fall 2012 pass you by. Take a ride. Take a photo. Breath. Exhale. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.